Postdoctoral Research Associate

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

Candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, digital game designers, and education researchers. The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in connecting observations of student behavior collected in-game (specifically Minecraft) with evidences of student learning. Examples of targeted areas for scholarship include mathematics education, computer science education, learning sciences, and measurement and assessment. The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to collaborate with other faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students in education, computer science, and digital game design. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to develop and lead their own complementary research activities aligned with the scope of the research unit. The postdoctoral research associate will have expertise in game-based learning and/or computational thinking, and experience in K-12 education settings.

Essential Functions:

• Support implementation of research activities for the NSF-funded project.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant-related reporting, and other dissemination efforts.
• Conduct research complementary to the existing research activities to establish own research agenda.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and oversee data collection and processing.
• Participate in data analysis connecting digital game-play with evidences of learning (e.g., process data).
• Work with middle school teachers to conduct research activities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A doctoral degree is required. A doctoral degree in education, learning sciences, mathematics education, computer-science education or related fields is preferred.

Content expertise in computational thinking or computer science education is preferred as well as experience in game-based learning and assessment. Interest and knowledge in quantitative methods, including multivariate statistics and multi-level modeling is a plus. Teaching experience in middle or secondary school grades is highly preferred. Research and publications related to game-based learning or assessment, computational thinking, or computer science education is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Demonstrated commitment to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Evidence of scholarly activity/potential is required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Bend
• Squat
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Stand
• Push/pull

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.